4. Where do works fit in?

Salvation is by grace alone; no works are required for salvation. “Therefore by the deeds of the law no flesh will be justified in His sight.” (Romans 3:20) “Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to His mercy He saved us.” (Titus 3:5)

However, good works will certainly follow a genuine saving faith. “Thus also faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead.” (James 2:17) The Scriptures also emphasize that works are an evidence of true salvation. “They profess to know God, but in works they deny Him.” (Titus 1:16) God saved us so that we would be different from the world and have a desire to do those things that are pleasing to Him. “That He might redeem us from every lawless deed and purify for Himself His own special people, zealous for good works” (Titus 2:14)

Good works follow salvation, believing in God comes first.

“Those who have believed in God should be careful to maintain good works.” (Titus 3:8) God expects His born again children to produce fruit that He will reward us for in the Kingdom of Heaven. Jesus says: “I chose you and appointed you that you should go and bear fruit, and that your fruit should remain.” (John 15:16) So while we are saved by faith alone, a genuine saving faith will never be alone, but will be accompanied by a regenerated heart and a new nature that desires the things of the Lord. “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new.” (2 Corinthians 5:17)

Read the next article in the series: 5. Is Jesus God?